COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Coldwater automobile dealership has become the latest victim of a recent theft spree around southwest Michigan.
Thieves stole the wheels and tires off of five newer model vehicles at Royal Chevrolet Buick GMC at 637 East Chicago sometime between 8:00pm Wednesday night and 5:30am Thursday morning.
Dennis Decaire from Royal said all of the vehicles were GMC Acadias. Three were 2017 models and two were 2018 vehicles.
All of the vehicles had Michelin 20 inch tires and sport style rims.
This follows recent thefts at Haylett Auto and at Planet Powersports. Over 40 automobile dealerships in Michigan were hit earlier this year by fast acting crooks who operate at night.
Investigators think new technology, which makes it tougher to steal and resell new vehicles, has prompted thieves to steal parts from them instead.
Nearly $100,000 worth of damage was done to 15 vehicles at Cole Chrysler Jeep Dodge near Marshall in May, as it was thought at the time the crooks targeted electronics.
If you have any information on the latest thefts, call the Branch County Sheriff’s Department at (517) 278-2325, extension 2184.
